In the fields, pesticides play a crucial role in crop protection. Used to control pests and preserve harvests, these products can, however, pose health risks to farmers and consumers when misused.
Pesticides are substances used in agriculture to control harmful insects, weeds, and certain plant diseases. They include insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. While they help reduce crop losses, their use requires precautions to avoid health consequences.
On farmland, their use has become commonplace for many producers. For farmer Clément Mbarga, these products remain essential to protect crops from pest attacks. « We use pesticides because they help us preserve our crops. Without them, some harvests can be severely affected, » he explains.But handling these substances is not without risk. Farmers, who are the first to be exposed, can come into contact with the products during preparation or spraying.
The lack of protective equipment such as gloves, masks, or appropriate clothing increases the risk of exposure. « Some producers don’t always take all the necessary precautions, either due to a lack of resources or because they are not sufficiently aware of the dangers associated with these products, » says Clément Mbarga.
Improper use of pesticides can cause immediate effects such as skin irritation, headaches, nausea, or breathing difficulties. Repeated exposure to certain substances can also have long-term consequences.Consumers are also affected when recommended doses are not followed or the pre-harvest interval is not observed, as pesticide residues can remain on some food products.
This situation represents a public health issue and raises questions about the safety of the food we consume daily.To limit these risks, specialists recommend raising awareness among producers about good agricultural practices. Adherence to prescribed doses, use of approved products, wearing protective equipment, and farmer training are essential.
From the consumer’s perspective, carefully washing fruits and vegetables before consumption remains an important precaution, even if it does not always completely eliminate all residues.For Clément Mbarga, support for producers is essential. « Farmers need more training so they know how to use these products correctly. It’s not just about protecting crops, but also about preserving their health and that of consumers, » he emphasizes.
Between the need to protect crops and the obligation to preserve public health, the responsible use of pesticides remains a major challenge for the agricultural sector.
Lutricia Atol
